Admin Help
Please click on the section headers below for help in those specific areas.
Background to RASCAL
RASCAL is the result of a two year collection mapping project based at Queen's University Belfast which was funded by the Research Support Libraries Programme (RSLP) to create and develop a new electronic resource for research and special collections in Northern Ireland. Arising out of an identified need to improve access to collections in the region, RASCAL represented a collaborative initiative to enhance awareness among researchers as to what is available in Northern Ireland and to make more efficient use of local research resources.
In 2008 RASCAL was expanded to include collections throughout Ireland in association with the Committee on Library Co-operation in Ireland (COLICO). RASCAL is administered and managed by Queen's University Belfast Information Services. As host institution, Queen's University is committed to maintaining long term access to the RASCAL Directory and to ensuring that the information available there remains current and up-to-date. New collections have already been added by a number of libraries including the Royal Irish Academy, University College Cork, University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin.
RASCAL comprises the collection level descriptions of materials held in a number of libraries, archives and museums throughout Ireland. It is cross-sectoral and so it helps to unite collections which have been scattered in a range of institutions. New descriptions will continue to be added regularly and existing descriptions will be updated to reflect institutional development.
It is possible to access institutional websites and explore catalogues and finding aids relating to collections described in RASCAL where these exist. As more institutions participate and the collection descriptions are updated the number of online facilities accessed via RASCAL will increase.
Each collection description also includes contact details, and access conditions. Sufficient information is provided to enable a researcher (at any level) determine if a visit to examine the materials is merited.
Training and support for completion of the RASCAL Collection Description Template is provided through COLICO PAL programme.
Completing the Collection Description Form
RASCAL (Research And Special Collections Available Locally) is an online resource which gives access to details of a wide range of special collections held in libraries, archives and museums throughout Ireland. At the most basic level there is a Search and Browse facility which allows users to determine the point of entry to the information contained in the resource. Advanced Search options are also available. As RASCAL is a cross-sector resource it can help to unite collections which have been scattered in a range of institutions. New descriptions continue to be added regularly and existing descriptions are updated to reflect institutional development.
When all of the fields have been completed correctly on the Collection Description form and the form has been through the submission process the information on the form will populate the RASCAL database.
As each collection description form requires location, contact details, and access conditions sufficient information is provided to enable a researcher (at any level) arrange a visit to examine materials described in RASCAL if s/he determines it is merited.
When you have successfully submitted a collection description form it will go through a moderation process. In some cases a collection description may require some further editing. If you have any queries regarding the moderation process for a collection description that you have compiled please contact the moderator of your collection.
Profile Information
This is a personal page that is maintained by each contributor. You may change your password to something more memorable here.
RASCAL Admin
Access to RASCAL Admin requires authorisation, you will be prompted to login. All institutions participating in RASCAL will have an authorised contributor/s. Contributors are responsible for a range of restricted functions, such as the creation of collection descriptions, editing of collection descriptions and submission of collection descriptions for moderation before they appear on the RASCAL website.
Creating a new collection description
In order to present a collection description for submission a contributor must complete the data collection form which requires information about a collection to be added in specific fields. When the form is completed to your satisfaction you should click Submit. The description will then go through a moderation process. A moderated collection may be published to the website or it may require some additional work. When a collection description is published to the RASCAL website please check the information displayed there, if there are any irregularities please edit the description. It the problem/s persist after edit process please contact rascal@qub.ac.uk
Edit a Collection Description
Check the box adjacent to the collection description you wish to edit.
Click on the Edit button to proceed.
The collection description form for the selected collection will be displayed and you may edit the document.
When you have finished editing the collection description to your satisfaction please click the Submit button.
You are only authorised to edit collection descriptions associated with your own institution.
If you have changed your mind and decide not to proceed with an edit at this time please navigate away from current page by selecting a link on the page and clicking on it.
If you experience any problems when selecting a collection description to edit please contact rascal@qub.ac.uk with information detailing the nature of the problems you encountered.
When you have successfully submitted a collection description form it will go through a moderation process. In some cases a collection description may require some further editing. If you have any queries regarding the moderation process for a collection description that you have compiled please contact the moderator of your collection.
URLs
All collection descriptions displayed on the RASCAL website have persistent URLs.